Algiers will benefit from Canadian expertise in sustainable urban development, as it has been selected as one of the most recent partners in the Government of Canada's Sustainable Cities Initiative.

Algeria will benefit from a partnership between government, non- governmental organizations and the private sector. The Sustainable Cities Initiative will work to improve the quality of life in Algiers by addressing several areas of sustainable development, including water treatment, housing, transportation and waste management.

The initiative will formalize a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Algiers to facilitate the implementation of solutions to the city’s challenges. Included in the memorandum will be the establishment of a standing committee, co-chaired by representatives of Industry Canada and, which will oversee the development of a work program, as well as serve as a forum for discussion on projects and areas of cooperation, the exchange of information, and consultation and facilitation of contact between all partners involved.

Algiers and Dakar, Senegal are the first cities to join the Sustainable Cities Initiative since Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced the expansion of the initiative to 17 cities in September 2002. In addition to the selection of Dakar and Algiers as new participants, the Sustainable Cities Initiative announced that a formal agreement has been negotiated and signed with Durban, South Africa.

With over 50 percent of the world's population currently living in cities, and developing countries expected to account for 93 percent of urban growth over the next 25 years, the Canadian focus on cities is warranted. The Sustainable Cities Initiative partners with government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, and works with local municipal authorities to develop targeted city roadmaps that address the specific needs of the city and outline efforts to achieve urban sustainability.